The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB) is calling on supporters to help raise £18,000 for its 2027 Bursary Fund.

The fund continues to ensure that young brass and percussion musicians can benefit from the opportunities offered by its Children's Band and Youth Band regardless of their financial circumstances.

The appeal comes as auditions begin for the 2027 courses, with the hope that funding can be secured to offer at least 25 bursaries for young musicians attending the residential courses, alongside six leadership awards for Children's Band mentors.

Subsidies

A NYBBGB spokesperson told 4BR: "The NYBBGB is committed to making its opportunities as accessible as possible and already subsidises the cost of every young musician's place by around 50% before any additional bursary support is awarded.

For families who need further financial support, the Bursary Fund provides means-tested assistance towards course fees, helping ensure that young musicians who have earned their place are able to take full advantage of the opportunities available to them."

In 2026, the NYBBGB awarded 22 bursaries and seven leadership awards, totalling £19,505 — all made possible through donations.

No child misses out

Louise Shaw, NYBBGB Fundraising Manager added: "All this money was raised from generous donations. We are very grateful to all our donors for their support in ensuring no talented child misses out on their place due to financial worries.

As auditions begin for 2027, we hope our supporters will once again help us provide this vital financial support. Every donation to the Bursary Fund helps us make sure that talented young musicians can benefit from everything the NYBBGB has to offer, whatever their family's financial circumstances."

The NYBBGB expects to welcome more than 150 young musicians to its Children's Band and Youth Band residential courses during 2027.

All this money was raised from generous donations. We are very grateful to all our donors for their support in ensuring no talented child misses out on their place due to financial worriesLouise Shaw, NYBBGB Fundraising Manager

Donate

Donations of any size can help the charity achieve its target and provide vital financial support to young musicians and their families.

To find out more about the NYBBGB Bursary Fund, visit: www.nybbgb.org.uk/support/bursary-fund/

To donate to the 2027 Bursary Fund via JustGiving, visit: https://justgiving.com/campaign/nybbgb-bursaryfund2027

Anyone who would prefer to speak to someone about supporting the Bursary Fund, or who has questions about making a donation, is warmly invited to contact Louise Shaw, Fundraising Manager, at louise.shaw@nybbgb.org.uk or on 07908 324459.